Safer Roads: Best Practices for Businesses

It is estimated that 25% percent of vehicle accidents are work-related, and if commuting is included, that figure rises to 50%.1 As a major owner and operator of vehicles around the world, the private sector can play a key role in improving road safety worldwide.

To help improve road safety, AIG joined Together for Safer Roads; this innovative coalition brings together members’ knowledge, data, technology, and global networks to focus on five areas that will make the greatest impact globally and within local communities. These five areas for action are: road safety management, safer roads and mobility, safer vehicles, safer road users, and post-crash response.

Recently, Together for Safer Roads released a new report to assist companies with best practices for road safety. Providing insights to assist in all five areas of action, this report gives concrete, helpful advice on designing and establishing corporate programs that improve road safety.

We’re sharing several key insights and examples from the Coalition’s report. Read on to learn how you and your company can apply road safety strategies to reduce accidents:

Collect, analyze, and report data on road incidents and safety programs
Ryder’s Safety Analytics Group creates weekly, monthly, and annual data-driven reports that track incidents and reveal trends. Each month, company leaders review a detailed ‘safety scorecard’ report that shows the frequency of collisions and injuries, safety plan performance, and the results of trainings. Ryder has also recently developed a new metric, the Total Safety Index, which combines all safety measurement categories into a single, composite score. This new metric has increased accountability for safety among multiple teams within the company.2

Partner with your drivers to manage the risks of the road
Walmart’s approach to dispatching allows drivers control over their schedules. Instead of dispatching drivers by simply looking at their number of available hours as they appear in the electronic log, the company asks drivers to state the hours they’re able to work. This careful approach to pre-journey planning means that drivers can adjust their schedules based on their individual needs. By working with drivers as individuals, management can set realistic schedules that give drivers adequate rest and reduce the risk of accidents. Walmart drivers are also free to take breaks if they need them.3

Implement the right technology to prevent crashes
An AIG client asked if we could help find the right technology to prevent rear-end collisions in class 8 trucks. AIG recommended that our client invest in a particular collision mitigation system. The client installed this system in 60 of their vehicles and to date, none of these trucks have been involved in a rear-end collision. It is estimated that this technology could reduce severe crashes by 40%.4

Reward your safe drivers for a job well done
Chevron has implemented a program to reward drivers for their safe driving. The Chevron-sponsored Red Eye Radio Million Mile Club honors drivers in the U.S. and Canada who have driven a million miles without a collision. Established in 1922, the Million Mile Club represents one of the most prestigious awards in the trucking industry.6

By developing and implementing road safety programs, companies can protect their employees and reduce the risk of accidents. To discover additional best practices for commercial companies, view the original article below.

The content contained herein is intended for general informational purposes only. Companies and individuals should not solely rely on the information or suggestions provided in this article for the prevention or mitigation of the risks discussed herein.